Yassie Lorenzo
Philippines
The Curator Coffee & Cocktails
Please tell us a little about yourself:
I’ve been a Barista for more than 4 years now. Aside from my love for food & beverages, I’m obsessed with cats! I think I was a furry feline in my past life: I’m quite moody, I’m addicted to eating fish, and other seafood plus I take a lot of naps.
How did you get started in coffee?:
My interest started when I watched this Korean TV Series called Coffee Prince. There was a scene where the guy was teaching the girl how to brew pour over coffee and I immediately was like, “I wanna learn how to do that”. Several years later, I found myself at a Korean Coffeehouse Chain, working as a Barista. My intense curiosity started from there.
Please list the coffee competitions you have participated in, what year they took place, and your results:
2018 Philippine Coffee in Good Spirits Championship – 1st Place
2017 Philippine Aeropress Championship – Semi-finalist
What are you excited to do while you are in Brazil?:
I’m stoked to meet a lot of people in the coffee industry from all over the world! Drink Caipirinhas, eat a bowl of Moqueca, check out some Brazilian produce, see the beaches near Belo Horizonte. My team & I are planning to visit a coffee farm after the competitions too, since we’ll already be in the world’s largest coffee-producing country.
What was your first amazing experience with coffee?:
My first amazing experience with coffee was when I went to my first specialty coffee shop ever – the Barista brewed an Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Konga via Aeropress. He made me taste it while it was still hot, when the temperature cooled down, when he placed an ice cube, and then added a teeny bit of simple syrup. I was astonished by how the taste of the coffee evolved as the temperature changed and how the flavours sort of amplified when he put a few drops of sugar. I couldn’t identify and actually taste the notes of the coffee at that time, but I definitely experienced the changes. It was magical, and unforgettable.
Besides your own competition drink, do you have a favorite cocktail?:
My favourite cocktail would definitely be the Ramos Gin Fizz! I like mine without the soda water though, because I don’t enjoy fizzy drinks that much. It tastes better that way too, in my opinion! It’s refreshing, creamy, citrusy & floral – all at the same time. Mmm.
What coffee-producing country most interests or excites you?:
The coffee-producing country that excites me the most would absolutely be Ethiopia! Fruity, floral & berry notes are what I adore the most. My first, and last love.
What are your interests outside of coffee?:
I’m really into food – eating outside and cooking (I wanted to be a chef when I was younger). I also like really good cocktails, getting lost in books, relaxing by the beach (I really wanna learn how to surf too!), taking photos and exploring new places.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?:
I see myself living simply and happily, doing the things that I love, with the people I love.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the competition?:
I’d like to thank God first and foremost, for turning this little girl’s dream into reality. My mom, for being my rock. I’m forever grateful for my #TheCuratorFamily of course! My bosses, colleagues, regular guests turned family, coffee & cocktail industry friends and everyone else who constantly supports me—#YKW you all are!
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